NAILSEA UNITED LADIES 1 - ILMINSTER 2 - SUNDAY 4TH NOVEMBER 2007

Scorers: Davies

Nailsea entertained Ilminster at the Grove and gave an extremely promising account of themselves against a team that has now gone 19 games unbeaten. The home team made five changes from last week’s outing against Wembdon with Stacey Kelly, Becky Pratt, Kate Brady, Julie Barry and Jenny Scott all returning to the starting eleven.
United started brightly and looked to close down the away team and starve them from time on the ball. Some early possession from Ilminster went unrewarded due to the tough tackling and tight marking from Brady and Kelly down Nailsea’s right hand side. Unfortunately, the home defence was breached after 15 minutes when a low shot from a tight angle squirmed under the body of keeper Davis and into the bottom corner.

This early setback was not to deter the ladies from BS48 and they soon started creating chances of their own. Pratt and Rowe both created opportunities for themselves but were unable to test the away custodian. Chances were also being carved out at the other end with some threatening corners going unpunished due to many United defenders putting their bodies on the line to stop the ball crossing the line. It could have been two nil shortly afterwards had it not been for a top-class save from Davis when left one-on-one with the Ilminster forward.

As the away pressure subdued, Nailsea began to put their foot on the ball and look to pass their way towards goal. Scott was working tirelessly on the left wing and was beginning to link well with her front two. Maxted, Adams and Barry were also getting to grips with the away midfield and no ball was going uncontested with United now winning many of the 50/50 tackles. Despite the home team’s good work rate and passing, they were to fall further behind from a set-piece. The grateful Ilminster centre-back was left unchallenged inside the six yard box to head home and double their lead.
The half-time whistle came and both teams looked to regroup. It had been a hardworking first 45 minutes and the girls knew that they were still well-capable of making a comeback.

This was the attitude that they took with them to the pitch as they quickly looked to close down their opponents and put the away defence under pressure. United introduced Liz Davies and she instantly caused problems down the home right-hand side. Pilgrim was in dominating form at the heart of the Nailsea defence and she was providing a strong springboard for Rowe and Pratt to get into dangerous positions. The home team were really enjoying the physical battle and their endeavours were finally rewarded when a corner came out to Michaela Davies who took one touch and then scored a 20 yard screamer.

With twenty minutes remaining, United continued to press for the equalizer that their brave play warranted. Both Wintle and Savage returned from injuries to inject some new legs to the side and they gave very good accounts of themselves. Savage was able to get behind her marker on more than one occasion as Nailsea threw caution to the wind. Gunning for the leveller, it was vital that both Brady and Pilgrim were alert in making extremely important tackles when coping with the away team breakaways.

As time ticked away, Adams went close with a header and Barry continued to make her presence felt in the centre of the park. But it was the away team who were to have the last goal-scoring opportunity. Davis was harshly adjudged to have brought down the opposing striker but as she dusted herself off to take the penalty, the home custodian stood firm and watched the ball sail over the crossbar.

The final whistle was blown soon after with both teams receiving a well-deserved chorus of applause from The Grove faithful. In a performance full of grit and determination, it was hard to choose a player that stood out for the player of the game award. With so many excellent displays, the players rewarded Scott’s work-ethic, passing and forward play and the coaches gave their award to Michaela Davies for her outstanding crossing and exceptional finish.


NAILSEA UNITED LADIES 4 - SWISS VALLEY 2 - SUNDAY 21ST OCTOBER 2007

Scorers: Savage (4)

Nailsea began the long road to Wembley with a tricky 1st round cup tie against local rivals Swiss Valley. The teams have met 3 times in the past 12 months with Swiss Valley scoring three times on each occasion and winning all of the previous outings. Both teams were coming into the game off of the back of narrow defeats to superior opposition and fancied their chances of getting their name into the F.A’s big red velvet bag for the draw of the next round. A large crowd gathered in anticipation of an epic battle and they were not to be disappointed.

United made three changes to last week’s line-up with Ruth Russell, Sophie Newton and Chantel Rowe all returning to the first eleven. Both teams made bright starts to the game and it didn’t take long before Nailsea’s impressive back three of Brady, Kelly and Pilgrim were called into action. As they were to do all day, the defence stayed touch-tight and cleared their lines well. When Russell was called upon in the opening exchanges, her handling was sound and decision making sound. Some bright inter-play down Swiss Valley’s left-hand side was dealt with by the hardworking Newton as the midfield battle started to favour the away side. Some resulting pressure culminated with a Lewis Moody-style charge down that fell to a Rangers’ striker who made no mistake with the finish.

Feeling aggrieved, Nailsea went straight at their opponents. Maxted, Scott and Barry started to make their presence felt with some tough challenges as the away team were starved of time on the ball. A quick counter-attack allowed Savage the chance to take on the keeper but the heavy tackle resulted in neither a goal nor a penalty. They say lightning doesn’t strike twice and this was proven an accurate scientific fact when Savage was once again put through but this time the referee pointed to the spot when she was fouled. After dusting herself off, she placed the ball and calmly slotted home from 12 yards.
Nailsea continued to push forward and were given an important outlet in the form of wing-back Michaela Davies. Using both her pace and close control, she was able to get behind the Ranger’s defence on more than one occasion and place menacing crosses into the Top Gun-style ‘Dangerzone’. But just like Goose’s flight time, parity was short-lived as the Nailsea defence and keeper failed to clear a Swiss attack and a thankful striker was on hand to roll the ball into an empty net. To add injury to insult (quite literally), the home side lost the services of the visionary Scott to a leg injury. Fortunately, Pratt was on the bench and she was to turn in another important performance for such a young head.
Mostly encouraging words were uttered at half time before the two teams returned to the action. Swiss Valley were obviously buoyed by their pep-talk and oranges as they stormed towards the home goal. Substitute keeper Davis was called upon to make a crucial stop within minutes of the restart. This seemed to be the turning point in the game as the United players sensed that their goalie had just given them a monopoly-style ‘Get out of Jail free’ card. The midfield tussle was now being dictated by Maxted and Barry, allowing Pratt the space needed to link up with Rowe and Savage. With the introduction of Savage Junior on the hour mark, Nailsea continued to flock forward and were only denied by some cat-like reflexes from the away custodian. Thankfully, persistence prevailed and Savage was able to chalk up number two for the afternoon, connecting with a Pilgrim through ball that left the net bulging and the home support ecstatic.

Rangers now began to show their true colours as frustrations boiled over and verbal onslaughts from both teams rose to the surface. Fake tan and peroxide comments were exchanged before Davies decided to let the football do the talking. Following good build up play from Barry and Pratt, Davies was able to deliver a pin-point cross that was put into the onion-bag by a grateful Savage to complete her hat-trick.
Some say that a team is at its most vulnerable once they have taken a lead but the United ladies proved that they are made of sterner stuff these days. With Pilgrim dealing with every high ball and Brady and Kelly safely stowing their respective opponents in their back pockets, Nailsea were able to continue to push forward and search for the killer goal. Rowe came close when a through-ball found her 25 yards out but the keeper was equal to her shot. This soon arrived though as some clever interplay down the Nailsea left culminated in Savage taking on the Ranger’s goalie and getting the better of her for the forth time that afternoon.

The final few minutes played themselves out with some impressive tackles and non-stop work rate from the United backline. With the referee’s final whistle came a chorus of applause from the Grove faithful, appreciative of the festival of football that had just been delivered to them on a silver platter. Testament to the team’s performance, 6 different names were mentioned in the player of the game vote before Charlotte Savage just beat Lindsay Pilgrim to the coveted Mars bar. Julie Barry was recognised by the backroom staff of Vickers, Tracey and Barnard for her tremendous contributions but it was the 100% commitment shown by the whole squad that gave United their second victory of the season.
Special mention has to go to the Momma and daughter Pratt for their outstanding cakes, Savage for her outstanding flapjack and Daddy Savage for his sandwiches. A great spread for a great performance!

NAILSEA UNITED LADIES 3 - WEMDON 1 - SUNDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2007

Scorers:- Savage, Rowe, S.Kelly.

Nailsea United Ladies kicked off their first ever league match in Nailsea United's 100+ year history and didn't disappoint the large crowd which had gathered to witness history in the making.

Nailsea, looking sharp in there brand new Face Value sponsored kit, started brightly and Midfielders Jenny Scott and Debbie Maxted looked to play early through-balls forward for energetic striker Charlotte Savage. It was a ball over the top from fellow strike partner Chantel Rowe that gave Savage her first opportunity but her left foot shot went just wide of the post. The signs were there that Nailsea's pace was going to cause the Wembdon defence problems and Central midfielder Becky Pratt raced clear only to be scythed down just outside the box with the offending player lucky to escape a card. Pratt dusted herself off to take the free kick and forced a good save from the Wembdon keeper.

Michala Davies, a summer signing from Frys, was making her debut in the centre of defence and her and Lindsey Pilgrim were looking like they had played together for years and kept the Wembdon attack well in check early on. Davies' long throw is sure to prove a useful weapon for Nailsea over the season.

Nailsea were shading the best of the play early on and quick thinking from Becky Pratt set Savage free and the striker made no mistake, showing great composure in slotting the ball in at the near post to put Nailsea 1 up, and send the crowd into raptures.

Wembdon upped the tempo after the goal and the excellent Clair Kelly was doing extremely well to win her battle with the visitors forward, while Nailsea keeper Sally Davis dealt superbly and confidently with some awkward high balls. With Pilgrim dominating in the air, Nailsea were standing firm.

Nailsea's through ball's were causing real problems in the Wembdon defence and Maxted's pass was knocked back to the keeper by the Wembdon centre half after she was put under good pressure from Savage. A free kick just inside the area was the result and the ball was rolled to Rowe, whose powerful shot was superbly headed off the line. Nailsea had come close from a number of corners and the resulting set peice was no different with Pilgrim and Scott both inches from getting on the end of another excellent Maxted delivery.

Nailsea were certainly in control as the end of the first half approached but a lapse in concentration meant a Wembdon midfielder winning possession of the ball unchallenged in the centre of the pitch but when she knocked the ball out wide there still seemed minimum danger until the away team's forward unleashed an unstoppable half volley which left keeper Davis with no chance. Score at half-time 1-1.

Apart from the late lapse, the 3 Nailsea coaches couldn't be happier with their players the message was pretty much just more of the same please. Despite conceding a late goal Nailsea's heads were very much up and the players sensed they could win the second half.

Again Nailsea started the half brightly and the pacey Jo Merchant taking up where she left off in the first half by linking well with Chantel Rowe along the right flank. The game was pretty even at this point until a Becky Pratt corner was cleared only as far as player of the match contender Clair Kelly, who drilled a fantastic cross back into the danger area where Chantel Rowe controlled it with her right then fired the ball into the back of the net with her left to put Nailsea back in the lead at 2-1.

Almost straight away Nailsea suffered a major blow when the outstanding Michala Davies had to be replaced after pulling her calf muscle. A bit of a reshuffle saw captain Maxted slotting in at centre back, Jenny Scott moving from the left into centre midfield and Sophie Newton coming on at left wing. Nailsea had relied on Michala's powerful right foot to clear their lines, especially from goal kicks and the new midfield pairing of Scott & Pratt were now having to drop deep and were battling well to collect the ball and sending wide players Merchant and Newton free down the flanks.

With Maxted suffering cramp in both legs, lighting fast right back Kate Brady was having an excellent game sometimes having to deal with 2 players at once. Any hopes of an early departure for Maxted disappeared when the increasingly influential Jo Merchant was unable to continue. Substitute striker Stacy Kelly, who was already unhappy at being benched, was even less impressed with the coaches after being asked to come on at right midfield when a majority of the play was now in the Nailsea half. Instead of letting her head drop, Kelly came on and had the game of her life. Her pace and energy exactly what Nailsea needed in a period of constant Wembdon pressure.

Wembdon's best chance came when their striker beat the offside trap and bared down on goal. After a quick do I don't I? Keeper Sally Davis raced out of her area and produced the tackle of the match to deny the striker and Brady got back to clear the danger.

With Maxted's cramp showing no sign of diminishing, goal scorer Savage was asked to fill in at the heart of defence while the Nailsea captain went up top. Nailsea realised that they would have to up their game if they wanted to hold on to the 3 points and Subs Newton and S.Kelly used their fresh legs to great effect going forward with pace and tracking back well to help out the defence when needed. Chantel Rowe was now leading the line expertly and not giving the Wembdon defence a moments peace.

Jenny Scott and Newton worked the ball well on the left and won a corner. Nailsea had looked dangerous all game from corners and another excellent delivery from Pratt was met by the head of super-sub S.Kelly who powered an unstoppable header past the Wembdon custodian to put clear daylight between the teams at 3-1. While S.Kelly celebrated with her team mates, the relief was clear to see on the Nailsea coaches faces who could now see that victory was in sight.

Valliant Wembdon gave one last push to try to salvage something from the game but the backline of C.Kelly, Pilgrim, Savage and Brady stood firm with Davis' handling behind them spot on.

Pilgrim made one last clearance from a Wembdon corner and the final whistle blew to a chorus of cheers and applause from the sidelines. A fantastic game ending Nailsea 3 Wembdon 1, giving Nailsea a great start to their first ever league campaign.

Player's player of the game went to Charlotte Savage while Jenny Scott scooped the Coaches player award.

Well done to everyone involved and thanks to everyone who came and supported. We hope to see you again.

Apologies for the huge essay style report but everyone did so well that we wanted to include them all.

SWISS VALLEY LADIES 3 - NAILSEA UNITED LADIES 2 - SUNDAY 5TH MARCH 2007

After Nailsea's pitch was deemed unplayable, the tie against Swiss Valley was moved to Clevedon School where in horrendous conditions both teams played out a fantastic football match. With the strong wind and heavy pitch the temptation could have been to play the long ball but both teams like to get the ball down and play and that's exactly what happened.
Nailsea started brightly with front two Holly Savage and Charlotte Savage (no relation) causing the home defence problems and they were soon 1 up when after a strong run from Caz Savage, the ball fell to Michelle Adams who spanked an unstoppable drive from the edge of the area which nesstled in the top corner to send the brave away support into raptures.

New signing Ruth Russell was making her debut in goal and Nailsea were grateful to her assured handling early on. Caz and Holly Savage (yes relations) were testing the Swiss Valley defence down the left flank and a foul on Holly gave captain Debbie Maxted a chance from a free kick but the Swiss Valley keeper was equal to the goal bound effort.
Swiss Valley were breaking well from midfield but the attacks were well broken up by the superb centreback pairing of Liz Davies and Lindsay Pilgrem who was outstanding throughout.
A throughball from Becky Pratt released Holly again and after jinking into the area she was bundled over giving the ref no option but to point to the spot. Captain Maxted stepped up and drilled the ball straight down the middle to make it 2-0 to Nailsea.
Swiss Valley pulled a goal back just before half time through a penalty after Caz Savage, who worked brilliantly to catch the centre forward, was adjudged to have tugged the shirt of the attacker. The Swiss Valley player cooly slotted the ball in the corner of the goal to make the score 2-1 to Nailsea at half time.

With no sign of any improvement from the weather both teams started brightly with Charlotte Savage and Kate Brady looking sharp upfront for Nailsea. Nailsea then lost possesion far too easily from their own throw in deep inside their own half and the cross skidded off the turf and was inadvertantly turned into her own net by the otherwise excellent Liz Davies leaving the Nailsea coaches wondering whether to give Liz a game upfont after her recent knack of putting the ball in the back of the net, albeit the wrong one. (only joking Liz).
Nailsea pushed hard to try and re-take the lead and only sloppy finishing prevented them from putting the game beyond doubt. An ankle injury brought the end to a tremendous display from Jo Merchant but her replacement Becca Edwards was equally solid, halting the home team's winger on more than a few occasions.
It was then Swiss Valley's turn to apply the pressure and after a succession of corners were brilliantly repelled by Lindsay Pilgrem a Swiss Valley striker was allowed to turn in the box and unleash an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net giving the home side the lead.
Nailsea battled hard and came within inches of equalising when Izzy Overton superbly won the ball in her own half and set Caz Savage free along the right wing. Caz slipped the ball through to Becky Pratt who's shot thudded against the cross bar and bounced down on the line and out. Unfortunately, striker Holly Savage had wheeled away in celebration, thinking the ball had gone in just before the cross was played back to her and the danger was cleared. Her striking partner Charlotte Savage had one final chance to pull Nailsea level but her finish was just the wrong side of the far post.
The final whistle was not far behind bringing an end to a highly entertaining game which was a credit to both teams. Final Score Swiss Valley 3 Nailsea 2.

Player's Player of the Match:- Charlotte Savage
Coach's Player of the Match:- Lindsay Pilgrem

EASTON COWGIRLS 2 - NAILSEA UNITED LADIES 5 - SUNDAY 4TH FEBRUARY 2007

Nailsea ladies returned to the ground where they had recently been beaten 5-3 to try and seek revenge and record their first ever victory. With notable absentees and still without a recognised goalie, the girls travelled to Hanham with the hope of an upset on the cards.
Nailsea started the brighter of the two teams and immediately went to work on keeping the cowgirls at bay. Tenacious play from Danni Rafter and Caz Savage continually broke up any rhythm that their opposition could muster. Just inside ten minutes the Nailsea ladies had taken the lead. A quick ball forward had forced the cowgirls to defend and when they allowed Chantelle Rowe time to advance, she finished with aplomb. Lobbing the goalie from 20 yards was a perfect start and you could already see the girls grow in confidence and stature.

Easton tried to work a quick reply but were thwarted by stern defending from Jacqui McHugh, Lindsey Pilgrim, Becca Edwards and the lightening-quick Jo Merchant. This stable base allowed Nailsea’s flair players to influence the match with Jenny Scott and Izzy Overton getting quick ball to the strikers. The Nailsea team were still working hard to close down their opponents and were unlucky to concede when the usually-reliable Debbie Maxted was beaten at her near post. This proved to spur on the girls as they continued to work hard both on and off the ball. It wasn’t too long before the lead was regained. First half substitute Becky Pratt was given far too much space on the edge of the box and she unleashed a ferocious shot that the goalie could only sniff at. Michelle Adams continued to work tirelessly up front and was almost rewarded when her shot went wide from distance.

Half time oranges were devoured and words of encouragement barked by coaches Barnard and Tracey before the girls took to the field for the second half. Nailsea started well but were guilty on occasions of holding onto the ball for too long. This proved to be costly as Nailsea stalled on the ball and were unable to clear their lines. This allowed the cowgirls in to score past the determined Pilgrim and the scores were level on the plain.
Having leaked goals in their previous games, this disappointment could have placed the girls on the back foot. But just like the mid-week posh spice curry, it only proved to give them more wind to get at Easton. Debbie Maxted atoned for her earlier mistake by marshalling the backline superbly. Nailsea were now able to get quicker ball to the front two of Charlotte Stacey and Kate Brady. This was to prove vital as the team stampeded forward on every available occasion. It was the impressive Pratt that put Nailsea back in front when a determined run ended with Becky following in and prodding the ball home. Following this, the girls continued to battle for every ball and the fierce midfield contest that Rafter and Pilgrim fronted (they left the opposing central midfielder walking like John Wayne) provided Savage and Scott the space they needed to stretch the opposition.

It was from a wide position that Nailsea benefited from next. A cross came in and found Brady on the edge of the 6 yard box. She finished emphatically and was soon sniffing after another, this time hitting the underside of the crossbar from a similar range. Francine Fost was re-introduced into the Nailsea defence and was extremely cool and accomplished when others around her were not. Combined with Michelle Adam’s sound handling in goal, the cowgirls were kept at arms length and reduced to long range efforts. The game was finally put beyond doubt when the sharp Brady latched onto another cross and stroked the ball into the back of the net.

Nailsea played out the remaining ten minutes at a canter and the overwhelming away following were left cheering at the final whistle. They out sang the home support throughout the afternoon and looked as proud as the players with their first ever victory.
Players of the match were awarded to Jo Merchant for her faultless display and Kate Brady for her valuable finishes. The girls have shown fantastic progress over the last few months and celebrated the win by announcing a ‘multi-pound’ sponsorship deal with Nailsea’s very own Face Value.

EASTON COWGIRLS 5 - NAILSEA UNITED LADIES 3 - SUNDAY 3RD DECEMBER

Nailsea United ladies played their 2nd game on Sunday 3rd December away against Easton Cowgirls.

On a boggy pitch and in gale force winds the game got under way with Nailsea playing against the elements first half. The wind was playing a major part and The Cowgirls took and early lead when a in swinging corner eluded everyone and went directly in. Another corner was poorly defended by the Nailsea back line and the unmarked Cowgirl easily headed in at the back post. Credit must go to both teams as they tried their best to play good football on a difficult pitch. Caz Savage was doing a great job in Centre Midfield, breaking up further Cowgirl attacks and Nailsea began to push on. Full back Becky Pratt got forward well from right back to fire in Nailsea's first shot of the day which was well gathered by the keeper and a long kick down field broke for the Cowgirls striker who's shot slipped through the rain soaked gloves of Nailsea custodian Zoe Wilton. Nailsea's Jenny Scott broke down the right wing and her cross into the box caused a 5 minute game of pinball in the Cowgirls penalty area which they did well to eventually clear. The cowgirls had time for one more goal before the half time whistle blew to make the score 4-0 at the turn-around.

The second half started as the first had finished with the Cowgirls going on the attack but the ball was well gathered by keeper Zoe Wilton. Zoe's kicking against the wind had been excellent all game and her wind assisted kick got in behind the Cowgirls defence. Chantelle Rowe won the race to the ball and one on one with the keeper she fired the ball home to drag Nailsea back into the match.
Nailsea were visibly lifted by this goal and strikers Chantelle and Kate Brady were causing the Cowgirls defence problems. Nailsea won a number of corners and when Becky Pratt chipped the ball into the near post Chantelle superbly controlled it and laid it off to Kate who's fierce shot cannoned back of the post but Jenny Scott was on hand to finish the rebound. Nailsea were now controlling the game and Jo Merchant was creating chances for the Nailsea front line. A good run from Lindsay Pilgrim was eventually halted by the Cowgirls Centre Back and the ball broke to Charlotte Savage who struck a stunning half volley from 25 yards which fizzed off the surface and passed the Cowgirls keeper to make the score 4-3. Nailsea continued to lay siege to the Cowgirls goal and only some fine goalkeeping kept the home side ahead. With Nailsea pushing forward for the equaliser the Cowgirls broke and when one on one with the goal keeper their striker confidently slotted the ball home to make the final score 5-3 to Easton Cowgirls. Both teams can be pleased with the way they played in difficult circumstances. Nailsea's outstanding performers were Jo Merchant, Kate Brady, Chantelle Rowe and Captain Liz Davies with the latter two sharing the player of the match award.

NAILSEA UNITED LADIES 2 - FRYS LADIES 6 - SUNDAY 19TH NOVEMBER

Sunday 19th November saw the first match of Nailsea United Ladies. The squad have been together for less than 6 months and it is a great testament to their attitude that we were able to assemble a squad of 17 to play Frys Ladies at Grove Sports Centre.

As a bumper crowd, the largest the bottom pitch at the grove has seen for a long time, slowly started to assemble the game got underway with Frys making the early running.
A combination of strong tackling and fantastic runs down the wing from from Danni Rafter and Becky Pratt settled Nailsea's early nerves and their first meaningful attack was greeted with a loud cheer from the ever growing home support. Debbie Maxted was starting to control the game in centre midfield and her through pass enabled Jenny Scott to lay the ball back to Michelle Adams who almost set Charlotte Savage free but the pacey striker was just crowded out.

With 20 minutes gone the score was still 0-0 until Fry's early pressure eventually paid off when the ball broke free in the Nailsea penalty area and was clinically dispatched by the Frys' forward. Nailsea went on the attack looking for the equaliser but were caught on the break and were unlucky to concede again when a tackle from the otherwise excellent Centre Back Liz Davies, diverted the ball past Lindsey Pilgrim in the Nailsea goal for 2-0.

Nailsea were struggling from goal kicks against the wind and quick thinking from Lindsey in goal played a short goal kick to Becky and the young full back started off on a mazy run down the left flank. After leaving a trail of Frys defenders in her wake she looped in an inviting cross which the Frys centre back, under pressure from Strikers Jenny Scott and Charlotte Savage, could only help into her own net to make the score 2-1 and cause Martin O’Neill style celebrations from the Nailsea Coaches.

A flurry of substitutions for Nailsea meant fresh legs and Nailsea pushed forward looking for the equaliser with good battling from Chantelle Rowe and Charlotte Stacey. Unfortunately defensive duties took less of a priority and Frys restored their 2 goal lead just before half time to make it 3-1at half time and it could have been more but for great defending by Zoë Wilton and a great save by stand in keeper Lindsey Pilgrim.

With Nailsea having made more subs than a Sven-Goran-Erikson friendly the second half got underway.
Frys started where they left off and went further ahead after a neat finish of the post early on.4-1. Nailsea stepped up a gear with the lightning fast Caz Savage covering every blade of grass in her quest to push Nailsea on. 1st half keeper Lindsey Pilgrim, now playing outfield, was showing some nice touches on the left side of the field and linking well with the energetic Izzy Overton.

At this point the referee had decided that he was not getting enough attention and therefore awarded a dubious penalty to Frys for handball against a bewildered Adams. Nailsea's second keeper of the day Debbie Maxted, produced a fantastic save however which received and almighty cheer from the home support along with shouts of "JUSTICE REF". Nailsea's joy was short lived however as Fry's capitalised on some slack defending to add another to make it 5-1. In truth they had the chance to add a couple more but determined defending from Francine Fost, Becca Edwards and Sophie Pilgrim kept them at bay. Jackie McHugh, who was outstanding in defence was moved into midfield, with the skilful Jo Merchant, to add some extra bite and her through ball released Charlotte Savage who was denied the goal her battling performance deserved by a brave save from the Frys custodian which left both players pole-axed on the turf requiring treatment.

The ref, still aggrieved that his last controversial decision had led to nothing, awarded another Frys penalty for hand ball but yet again Debbie produced a wonder save to keep the well struck spot kick out.
Frys superior fitness was beginning to show and they made it 6 before great work on the left between Overton, Rafter and Caz Savage resulted in a free kick being given just to the left of the Frys penalty area. Nailsea dead ball specialist Becky Pratt stepped up and whipped a Beckham style free kick towards goal and with the aid of a slight deflection the ball rippled the back of the Frys net to make it 6-2.

The Ref still had time to infuriate the supporters further after Caz Savage had produced tackle of the match, tracking back 30yards before making a sliding tackle that Stuart "Psycho" Pearce would have been proud of, the man in black blew for a Frys free kick. He blew again shortly after for full time to end a fantastic football match played in a very sporting but very competitive manner.

Joking aside thanks must go to Spence for giving up his extremely valuable time to referee and to Dave Brace for supplying the kit and helping out on the day.

Thanks also to Frys Ladies for providing Nailsea with their first opponents and congratulations on a great game and good luck for the rest of your season.